Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones missed the season opener as a result of being locked in a contract dispute with the team. Ultimately, the two sides agreed to a one-year deal, but they’ll have to do it all over again this offseason.

So, what does the future hold for Jones in Kansas City?

Speaking with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated following the Chiefs’ Divisional Round playoff win over the Buffalo Bills, Jones made it clear that he wants to stay in Kansas City…if the Chiefs will have him.

“Spags [defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo] is a wizard,” Jones said. “I hope he doesn’t get a head coaching job, hoping he stay with me forever.” 

That prompted Breer to ask about Jones’ status in Kansas City.

“If the Chiefs keep me, I’ll stay,” he said. “That’s always been the plan.”

Of course, it’s not so simple as just keeping him.

Jones is going to command a monster contract this spring, and with Kansas City having fairly limited cap room (around $27 million), it remains to be seen if the Chiefs will give him what he wants.

Of course, the 29-year-old could always accept a hometown discount to remain in Kansas City, but whether or not he would be amenable to that is anyone’s guess.

One thing is for sure: Jones will be one of the top defensive players available this March, as he is coming off of a season in which he racked up 30 tackles and 10.5 sacks en route to his fifth straight trip to the Pro Bowl and his second consecutive First-Team All-Pro selection.

Jones has spent his entire eight-year career with the Chiefs.

For now, though, Chris Jones and Co. have bigger fish to try, as they are aiming to make it to their fourth Super Bowl in five years when they take on the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game this Sunday.

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